The First Daughter and founder of the SMACHS Foundation, presided over the unveiling of 82 Youth Ambassadors at a ceremony held at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE). The event marked a significant step in her foundation’s mission to address two of Kenya’s most pressing challenges: hunger and climate change.
The 82 ambassadors, who are aged between 18 and 32 years, will spearhead climate-smart agricultural initiatives and advocate for climate action in 46 counties across Kenya. They have been chosen to represent their peers in the fight against food insecurity and environmental degradation, under the ambitious strategy dubbed “The 30 Things.” This initiative focuses on sustainable farming practices, the promotion of youth involvement in agriculture, and the broader goal of mitigating the effects of climate change.
Charlene Ruto, who is also the Patron of the SMACHS Foundation, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in solving the country’s current crises. “Young people are not merely victims of climate change and food insecurity they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and agents of change,” she stated. “Through their creativity, leadership, and skills, they have the power to transform food production and drive climate action for a sustainable future.”
The selection of the Youth Ambassadors followed a rigorous process that attracted over 1,600 applicants. After careful assessment, the 82 ambassadors were chosen for their leadership qualities, passion for agriculture and climate action, problem-solving capabilities, and innovative thinking. Although the program aimed to recruit 94 ambassadors—10 per county—some counties had fewer applicants, and Lamu County had none. Despite this, the foundation believes that the selected group represents the diverse potential of Kenya’s youth in fostering environmental sustainability and food security.
This initiative is particularly timely, given the pivotal role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy. The sector, however, continues to struggle with youth participation, which remains below 30% according to government data. This is concerning, considering that around 800,000 young people enter the workforce annually, with limited job opportunities. The SMACHS Foundation’s focus on modernizing agriculture through digital technologies, mechanization, and sustainable practices could unlock vast employment opportunities for these young people, helping to bridge the gap between youth unemployment and agricultural productivity.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by the findings from the 2023 African Youth Needs for Climate Action report, which was produced by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The report highlights that young people in Africa are not only deeply concerned about the impacts of climate change but are also eager to collaborate with governments and organizations to create innovative solutions. Through the SMACHS Foundation, Charlene Ruto is helping to channel this energy into action, empowering youth to take the lead in building a sustainable future for Kenya.
The foundation’s approach also aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance food security and build climate resilience in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns and a growing population. By leveraging the energy and innovation of the youth, the SMACHS Foundation is hoping to create a new generation of leaders who will drive the transformation of Kenya’s agricultural landscape. Through initiatives such as mechanized farming, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the use of digital solutions, the foundation aims to create a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
As the SMACHS Foundation rolls out its programs, the involvement of these Youth Ambassadors will be crucial. They will not only advocate for climate action and sustainable agriculture but also serve as role models for their peers, demonstrating that youth can be at the forefront of meaningful change. With their passion and commitment, these ambassadors will play a key role in reshaping Kenya’s agricultural future, addressing food security challenges, and driving climate action across the nation.
